Ceramics and glass business news of the week

Corning Incorporated announced plans to expand the focus of its technology development programs at the new Corning Technology Center in Asan, Korea. Corning plans to develop next-generation glass and ceramic solutions for key customer applications in consumer electronics and other industries. New programs are expected to begin by the end of this year.

Harper International has finalized a contract for a research scale high-temperature reactor to support University of Colorado Boulder’s development of magnesium for lightweight vehicle parts. Harper’s unique system will perform the advanced carbothermal reaction of carbon and magnesium oxide, which are heated to high temperatures to produce magnesium vapor and carbon monoxide gas.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is hiring for a new director for the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a growing nationwide assistance program for smaller manufacturers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Gujarat Technological University has decided to launch two short-term courses for people aiming to work or already working in either glass industry or construction business. The university has decided to sign a memorandum of understanding with Saint Gobain India to start the courses.

All colleagues, friends, and delegates are invited to participate in the International Commission on Glass Annual Meeting 2015. The meeting will take place September 20–23, 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. Registration opens December 1.

Tile has a rich and varied history in decor, from Roman floor mosaics to majolica to Delft ceramics to Mexican terracotta. These styles and more continue to inspire artistry. Many of the newest collections of ceramic and porcelain tile were on display at the five-day Cersaie international exhibition in Bologna, Italy.

The Institute for Supply Management reports on U.S. manufacturing production, orders, and other activity in October. The ISM, a trade group of purchasing managers, just released its manufacturing index. Economists forecast that the index slipped last month—to 56.3 from 56.6 in September, according to a survey by FactSet. Any reading above 50 signals growth.

Kyocera Precision Tools launched a newly revitalized website, www.KyoceraPrecisionTools.com, which unifies Kyocera’s North American cutting tool presence in one virtual location. The new online presence enhances customer service and improves efficiency.